'His friend tried to save him' Brother of Lancashire teenager who drowned in the Lakes pays tribute

The grieving family of a teenager who died in a Lake District tarn have urged authorities to improve safety at the site where he tragically lost his life.

Absi Ahmed, from Poulton, got into difficulty in High Dam Tarn, near Windermere, on April 7 and couldn’t be saved.

The tarn, built in the 19 th century, is well-known as a place for swimming and woodland walks.

The family of the 17-year-old Blackpool Sixth Form College student don’t blame anyone for his death – but say there needs to be more warning signs and lifesaving equipment to try to prevent another tragedy.

Absi’s friends have raised almost £16,000 through a GoFundMe campaign with money from that fund going towards the appeal.

Absi’s brother Adil said: “My family doesn’t want another parent or family member to lose someone like this.

“We want to make sure that if someone gets into difficulty in the future – like Absi did – people there have more chance of saving them. His friend tried to save him but couldn’t.

“His friends said there wasn’t any lifebelts or other safety equipment. We want to do all we can to avoid people going through what we are.”

Absi had been enjoying a day out with three pals, Theo Earnshaw, Harry Thomason and Jack Wilford on April 7. They had been for a walk before heading to High Dam tarn for a swim as temperatures rose.

Absi began to struggle in the water at around 12pm with specialist divers retrieving his body just before 9pm that night.

Theo, who set up the GoFundMe page, said: “We had been for a two hour walk and the weather was nice so we went for a swim. When it happened, we didn’t see any lifebelts – we definitely think that could be made better.”

The Lake District National Park Authority, which manages High Dam Tarn, said there is a ‘throw line’ at the location but said it would consider any recommendations following his inquest.

Absi’s family, including dad Basir and mum Sammi, have been told the provisional cause of death was drowning. The family were told he may have suffered ‘cold water shock’.

Cold water shock is the body’s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water. 

The National Fire Chiefs Council says it can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. As the body tries to keep warm, muscles in the arms and legs begin to cool reducing a person’s ability to swim and stay afloat.

It can happen in water temperatures below 15°C with the average UK sea temperatures being just 12°C.

Adil, 22, said: “One of his mates tried to save him but he too began to feel the effects of the cold water so had to save himself.

“The house feels empty without him. Absi was very affectionate and used to give my mum hugs every day. My parents are doing their best but it’s hard to come to terms with.”

An inquest into Absi’s death was opened on Thursday at Allerdale House in Whitehaven with a full inquest scheduled for September.

Cumbria Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The family have been comforted by the outpouring of support from people who knew Absi since the tragedy – with more than 200 people at his funeral at Layton Cemetery earlier this month.

Adil added: “He was a typical younger brother and he always used to borrow my clothes. When his clothes came back to us, he had taken my shoes and joggers and swimming trunks.”

Theo added: “Absi was the nicest guy you could wish to meet. He made people happy and feel good about themselves and always involved everyone.

“It’s been such a shock and the last few weeks have been horrible.”

Absi studied business, economics and maths at Blackpool Sixth Form College and previously went to Hodgson High School and St John’s Primary, both in Poulton.

He was also a member of Fylde Cricket Club in Poulton where he made his senior debut with the club’s third team last season.

The club held tributes to him before pre-season friendly matches on April 11 and 12 with many of his college friends also taking part in the minutes applause in his memory.

In a Facebook post, Fylde Cricket Club said: “Our thoughts are with Absi’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. As a club, we stand beside you and send our heartfelt love, strength and support.

“You are part of our Fylde family, and we are here for you always.”

A memorial event is being held at Hodgson High on Friday April 24 between 4.15pm and 5.30pm for those that knew him.

The Sheraton Hotel, on Queen’s Promenade, Blackpool – where Absi’s mum works – is also promoting the fundraising appeal.

Money from the appeal will also go towards supporting the family while they are not working – dad Basir is a self-employed taxi driver – and cover memorial and funeral costs.

An imam at the family’s local mosque had also set up a fundraiser in memory of Absi to fund projects in Yemen and Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We are deeply saddened following the death of Absi Ahmed, who sadly lost his life after entering water at High Dam. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 

“An inquest is due to open on April 23 and the Lake District National Park Authority will be supporting with the process as appropriate.

“We understand there is a community fundraiser to support the family, raise awareness and provide further equipment in addition to the throw line currently on site. We await the coroner’s report and will consider any recommendations carefully.” 

To support the GoFundMe Fundraiser for Adil Ahmed by Theo Earnshaw click here.

The RNLI of advice and information about the dangers of cold water shock. For more information visit the RNLI website here.